Honor John H. French

Senate Resolution No. 1254 BY: Senator HINCHEY COMMENDING John H. French posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend John H. French posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; this momentous occasion will be celebrated on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the Columbia County Honor a Veteran Ceremony in Hudson, New York; and WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, John Harpin French was born on September 6, 1922, to Raymond and Clara French in Hartford, Connecticut, and grew up in Mellenville, New York, where he graduated from Philmont High School in

1940; and WHEREAS, Prior to his military service, John H. French worked as an industrial tractor operator and subsequently enlisted in the United States Army on January 13, 1943, in Hudson, New York; and WHEREAS, Following basic training, Private First Class (PFC) John H. French received specialized instruction as a Fumigation and Bath Man (706), responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining equipment used to disinfect clothing, equipment, and personnel from environmental or chemical hazards in war zones; and WHEREAS, PFC John H. French served honorably in the European Theater of Operations with the 872 Quartermaster Company, participating in military campaigns in the Rhineland and Central Europe; and WHEREAS, After serving one year and 23 days overseas, PFC John H. French returned to the United States and was honorably discharged at Fort Meade, Maryland, on November 25, 1945; and WHEREAS, For his dedicated service to his country, PFC John H. French received the European-African-Middle Eastern (EAME) Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Service Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal; and WHEREAS, Following his military service, John H. French returned to Columbia County, where he met and married Edna Mannetta on September 22,

1946, and together they raised three sons: Jeffrey, Mark, and Lee; and WHEREAS, John H. French worked as an Engineering Production Analyst for IBM in Kingston, New York, contributing to the development and innovation of engineering technologies; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, he remained a devoted member of his community, actively participating in numerous organizations including the Minkler Seery American Legion, Ghent Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Mellenville Volunteer Fire Company, Columbia County Volunteer Firefighter's Association, Hudson Valley Volunteer Fireman's Association, and the Free and Accepted Masons Agawamuck Lodge No. 841; and WHEREAS, John H. French was also a committed congregant of the Philmont Methodist Church, a Little League coach, Soap Box Derby committeeman, and a member of the Claverack Senior Citizens; and WHEREAS, John Harpin French died on March 31, 2009, at the Firemen's Home in Hudson, New York, at the age of 85, predeceased by Edna, his beloved wife of 57 years, and leaving behind a lasting legacy through his three sons, eight grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who risked their lives for their beloved Nation; and WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad, John H. French demonstrated his love for his country and merits forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend John H. French posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of John H. French.